Lance Briggs set to return Wednesday

Chicago Bears returning to relatively full strength at linebacker

December 09, 2009|By Vaughn McClure, Tribune reporter

The Bears looked lean at linebacker after losing Brian Urlacher and Pisa Tinoisamoa to season-ending injuries. Now they could have a surplus at the position ahead of Sunday's showdown with the Packers.

Lance Briggs, who missed the Rams game with a left knee sprain and hip pointer, is scheduled to practice Wednesday, according to a league source. Briggs is expected to have full participation and reassume his duties as the starting weak-side linebacker.

That means Jamar Williams, who started for Briggs against the Rams and had a career-high 20 tackles, might not get a chance for an encore performance unless the Bears start him at strong-side linebacker ahead of Nick Roach. Williams could line up with the first team at strong-side Wednesday with Hunter Hillenmeyer expected to be held out with a minor groin injury as Roach could fill in for Hillenmeyer in the middle.

Also, left tackle Orlando Pace is scheduled to return from a groin injury. That could present an interesting scenario, with former right tackle Chris Williams moving to left tackle in place of Pace against the Rams. Coach Lovie Smith said Williams looked like a "natural" on the left side.

"We will put guys in positions we think gives us the best chance to win on the weekend," Smith said. "First off with Orlando, we need to see if he's healthy. We'll start making those types of decisions (Wednesday)."

Williams is the left tackle of the future, but Pace has no immediate plans to retire.

"I feel pretty good right now, so I feel I can play," Pace said of his health. "I signed a three-year deal."